Look After Your Eyes

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Parents Risk their Children's Eyesight in the Sun

  • Three quarters (76 per cent) of parents don’t protect their kid’s eyes in the sun

  • Up to 80 per cent of a person’s exposure to harmful UV happens before the age of 18

  • Of those who do buy sunglasses for their children, almost half (46 per cent) put cost ahead of protection

British parents are risking their child’s eyesight by exposing them to bright sunlight without appropriate protection, according to a new study from the College of Optometrists. Over three-quarters (76 per cent) of parents questioned admitted to not making sure their child wears sunglasses when out and about in the sun.

The shocking statistics are revealed as the UK is set to head into another hot spell, meaning more bright sunshine and harmful UV rays. Astonishingly, while almost half (43%) of parents ensure their child’s time in the sun is limited and three-quarters (76%) make sure they apply suncream to their child’s skin, buying sunglasses to provide protection for the eyes appears not to be a priority.


 

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Top Eye Tips

Protect your Child's Eyesight in the Sun


• Look out for glasses carrying the "CE" Mark and British Standard BS EN 1836:1997.  Good sunglasses needn't be expensive.

• Babies may be too young to get sunglasses that fit, but you can still protect them with a wide-brimmed hat

• To get the best protection, make sure any sunglasses fit your child well.

• If your child is particularly active you can purchase bands that go round the back of their head to stop the sunglasses falling down. More »